9 Children Allegedly Locked in Cages and Forced to Stand for Hours with Nails Between Their Toes, Police Say

Nine children were removed from an Ohio home after authorities allegedly discovered years of physical abuse, neglect and appalling living conditions, including claims that the children were locked behind cages and forced to stand for hours with nails placed between their toes.

Jonathan Parr, 37, and Jacquelyn Coleman, 32, were arrested on child endangerment charges following an investigation in Etna Township, Licking County. The children, all between the ages of 1 and 13, were taken into protective custody after detectives searched the property on Oct. 13, according to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities Describe Disturbing Allegations of Abuse

Investigators began looking into the household after receiving a referral from Child Protective Services concerning suspected physical abuse and deplorable living conditions.

According to a criminal complaint, the allegations included inadequate access to food and water, insufficient living space and sleeping arrangements, and children being confined behind cages or barriers.

The complaint also alleged that the children were forced to stand for extended periods, sometimes with nails placed between their toes as a way to prevent them from moving.

Licking County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jay Cook told local news station WBNS that some children described being made to hold a wall-squat position for hours.

Authorities said the alleged abuse dated back to April 2023 and continued until the investigation led to the arrests. The allegations have not yet been proven in court.

Children Found in Bug-Infested Living Conditions

When deputies executed the search warrant at the property, they reportedly discovered unsanitary conditions, an insect infestation and inadequate bedding for the children.

Authorities said 12 people, ranging in age from 1 to 64, had been living at the residence. The children were reportedly spread between the main home and other structures on the property.

Investigators removed all nine children and placed them in the custody of child-protection authorities. Three dogs were also removed from the property, according to local reporting.

Officials described the conditions as deeply concerning and said the investigation remained ongoing as detectives worked to establish the full extent of the alleged abuse and neglect.

The Parents Face Child Endangerment Charges

Parr and Coleman were arrested on Oct. 13 and were being held on $150,000 bond each, according to reports published following their arrests.

The criminal complaint states that Coleman is the mother of all nine children and Parr is the father of seven. Both face allegations involving excessive physical discipline or restraint that allegedly created a substantial risk of serious physical harm.

Parr has denied the accusations, telling reporters after a court appearance that he had not kept the children in cages or committed the alleged abuse. An attorney for Parr did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment at the time of its report.

The allegations against both adults remain subject to the legal process, and neither should be considered guilty unless proven so in court.

Investigation Continues as Children Receive Protection

Authorities have said additional interviews and investigative work are needed to establish what happened inside the home and determine whether further charges may be warranted.

The case has also highlighted the role of schools and child-protection agencies in identifying possible abuse. The sheriff’s office said the investigation followed a referral connected to concerns about the children’s safety.

For now, the nine children have been removed from the environment described in the complaint, while investigators continue gathering evidence.

Officials are urging anyone who suspects child abuse to report their concerns to the appropriate authorities so that children at risk can receive help and protection.